Traditional cuisine, cultural regalia, dances, songs and poetry were the order of the day as Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM) celebrated Heritage Day with the Ngwaabe communities. The ceremony was held at Bahlakoane baga Malekane’s Tribal Hall on September 25.

Learners from local schools, SAPS and community members from local villages were entertained by dance groups and many more entertainers.

Educators, mine officials and guests showed off the cultural activities and attire of our nation’s people, including Zulu, Venda, Pedi, Tswana, Xhosa, Swazi and Ndebele.

All met in a spirit of unity through diversity. Learners of Malekane and Ngwanathulare primary schools, as well as preschoolers of Mogoshadi Crèche, showcased traditional regalia.

They wore makgeswa ntepa – traditional Tswana/Sotho attire often made of colourful or patterned fabric – and lebole, decorative items, usually beaded or woven, worn around the waist as part of ceremonial or festive dress.

They also performed dances like kiba, makgakgasa, dinaka, dipapetlwane and Nguni dances. Outlining the purpose of the day, Malekane Primary School’s Principal RM Sewala said the event was held to revive culture and tradition.

“This was an opportunity for the children to learn about their backgrounds,” Sewala said.

“We were so excited and proud of the performances and the success of the event. We taught our pupils about indigenous trees, cultural foods, music and dances. We wanted to educate and remind locals that their culture is vital. We have to go back to the basics and wear our traditional attire with pride.”

Sewala urged the DCM, to please continue investing in education, saying that these children are the future of South Africa.

The DCM’s socio-economic development manager, Remember Mmbengwa, said they organised the event to celebrate the diverse cultures in South Africa.

“We want locals to preserve their culture and showcase their talents through art and craft. For our 2026 Heritage Day celebrations, we will invite different cultural groups to compete in music, dance, clothing, foods and many traditional competitions. We will have the elderly as our judges, and the best will be handed gifts,” he said.

“We have to resurrect and revive our heritage – we can’t under celebrate our culture. As the DCM, we will continue commemorating the importance of preserving our heritage, our tradition and our culture, as it would reflect on our values, our beliefs and aspirations.”

Mmbengwa said DCM will continue supporting local communities. The mine has invested in sports, education, roads, health and many more projects in the region.

“We have invested in water, electricity and educational projects. In 2022, DCM handed over three blocks of classrooms, an administration block and ablution facilities to the Nkotwane Secondary School in Ga-Masha. We also erected a community home-based care centre in Ngwaabe and built 50 hawker stalls in Burgersfort. There are many development projects orchestrated by the mine,” he said. “We are currently involved in a road project from Ga-Phasha main road to Mashupje Secondary School at Bokome.”

He added that DCM is also part of the mining houses that are upgrading the Steelbridge at Ga-Malekane, and the DCM would continue investing in education locally.

Heritage Day, celebrated annually on September 24, recognises the cultural wealth of South Africa – more commonly known as the Rainbow Nation.

The day is celebrated by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the country’s colourful population.